Jesus had three close friends: two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. During one of Jesus' visits to their home, Martha became frustrated with her sister Mary. Read the story and consider how the two sisters' personalities affected their actions.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Mary and Martha demonstrate two contrasting personality characteristics: one who focuses more on people, and one who focuses more on tasks. Martha was obviously one who liked to get things done and took her efforts seriously--seriously enough that she asked Jesus to scold her sister Mary for not helping. On the other hand, Mary wanted to spend time with Jesus. She focused more on interpersonal relationships and valued their time together.
There is nothing inherently wrong with these two characteristics in and of themselves: it is important to focus on people, and it is important to get things done. This story teaches us that even though our personality pushes us in one way or the other, we still have the power to choose how we will act. Martha took pride in preparing to host Jesus in her home, and that desire--considered by itself--is a worthy ambition. But her desire to "prepare" interfered with the more important issue at hand, the relationship she had with Jesus. Following the natural inclination of her personality affected her relationship with Jesus and with her sister.
As we understand the forces at work in our personality, let's remember some important principles.- God created your unique personality.
- Your personality equips you for a specific place of service within the family of God.
- Your personality does not automatically determine your behaviors. You can override the natural force of your personality in order to obey God.
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Today's Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for allowing me to have this
opportunity to understand how you created me for ministry. As I learn
how my personality nudges me in specific directions, help me to discern
what choices to make. Remind me not to use my personality as a crutch
or excuse to keep me from honoring you with the way I live and from
serving you as you intend.
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Follow these instructions to complete your personality test:
- Register with your name and email. Your information remains confidential.
- Answer
the series of questions. If you don't understand a question, just
choose between the two options and move on to the next one.
- Submit your answers and instantly receive your results.
- Look for the email link on the results page. Email your report to pam@fbcmarionark.org.
- Your personality will be added to your SHAPE profile.
- For further insight (with a minimal cost), you can
purchase indepth reports, but the free report is more than enough to get
started in understanding your personality.
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Elizabeth Barnett is a state-licensed counselor for children, teens, individual adults, couples, and families. She helps people in all kinds of situations through confidential sessions at the First Baptist Church Counseling Center.
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